The loss of a child is incredibly devastating to any parent and family. Each person in the family is likely to experience the loss uniquely, which can feel lonely or confusing at times. In addition to the grief of the parents, any surviving siblings must cope with their own grief, as well as the emotions of their loved ones. Routines often change, and so does life as you once knew it. Finding support may feel impossible at times.Although these changes can be true after any loss, the death of a child seems to reverberate through a family like no other.

Good Grief Group and Bereavement Counseling Alone and Surviving, by R. LindsayGrieving: How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies, by T. RandoLiving through Personal Crisis, by A.K. StearnsLiving When a Loved One Has Died, by E.A. GrollmanLoss and Anticipatory Grief, by T. RandoSurvival Handbook for Widows, by R.J. LoewinshohnSurviving the Loss of a Loved One, by J.W. Worden and A. UlineSwallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing, by T.R. GoldenWidower: When Men Are Left Alone, by S. Campbell and P.

Now that you are receiving treatment—surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy—you may have questions like these.How do I deal with this fatigue, pain, skin reaction?What long-term effects might I have from treatment?How do I talk to family and friends who are emailing me all sorts of “cures” and articles?How do I manage anxiety before my CT or PET scan?How do I keep life as normal as possible?What questions should I be asking my doctors?We can help your time in treatment be less stressful, for free.

When you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, it may feel hard to know where to start. You might be asking questions like these:How did I get cancer?How do I find the right doctor? The right treatment?How do I ask for second opinions?How do I manage these emotions?What does this mean for my job? How will I pay for everything?How do I tell my family? My boss? My friends?Have questions?

Do you work with individuals affected by cancer or with an organization or business that is looking for a speaker? Or are you interested in working with the Life with Cancer community? If so, here are ways to connect.Life with Cancer, the integrative therapies and wellness program of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, has become Northern Virginia’s premier cancer education, nutrition, and psychosocial support organization.

At Life with Cancer, our free programs and services are designed for individuals and families—and include counseling, groups, classes, integrative approaches, and information on resources. Patients and families can choose from nearly 50 programs each month at our welcoming Family Center in Fairfax or at one of our other five locations. Learn more about us.Please encourage anyone you know who might benefit from our support to contact us.No formal referrals are needed except for psychiatry. For a psychiatric referral, or for more information, please contact us. Contact Us

Our oncology nurse navigators and oncology therapists provide guidance on topics like these:CaregivingCouplesChemobrain Facts and StrategiesDepression and Anxiety ManagementFear of RecurrenceFitnessGrief and BereavementInsomniaLate EffectsMind/Body PracticesNeuropathyResilience and SurvivorshipSexual HealthSpecific CancersStress ReductionSurvivorshipSurvivorship Care PlansUnderstanding Clinical TrialsUnderstanding Lab ValuesThe topics listed above are provided as suggestions for lectures and talks.

Interested in volunteering as a speaker in Expressive Arts, Financial, Fitness, Legal, or Mind/Body/Wellness? We’d look forward to hearing from you! Please complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch:BE A SPEAKERName* First Last Company/OrganizationEmail* Phone*Areas of Interest* Expressive Arts Financial Fitness Legal Mind/Body/Wellness OtherMessage* Δ

Interested in requesting a speaker for your next lecture or talk?

Cancer interrupts so many aspects of life, and when you are diagnosed as a young adult it can interrupt many experiences such as school or career, dating or starting a family. You may be wondering where to turn. Do these questions sound like yours?How do I talk to my healthcare team? My friends and family?What do I say on a date about my cancer history?What do I say at a job interview? When should I tell my boss?How will I pay my bills?Who at my school can help? How do I ask for more time for my paper?Can I still have children?Why do I have brain fog?